Navigate to Homepage
Search
Main navigation
  

        
              Explore the Capitol Campus
                          Art
                            Buildings & Grounds
                            Capitol Hill Facts
                            Visitor Resources
                            Our Blog
                            What We Do
                          Areas of Expertise
                            Programs & Ceremonies
                            Projects
                            Publications
                            Strategic Objectives
                            About Us
                          Who We Are
                            History of the AOC
                            News & Notices
                            Organizational Structure
                            Partnerships & Recognition
                            Work With UsSearch Breadcrumb
    HomeExplore the Capitol CampusThe Art Collection
Progress of Civilization Pediment

The Progress of Civilization features figures that represent the early days of America along with the diversity of human endeavor.
        
                  The Basics
      
Artist
      
Thomas Crawford

Materials
    Marble

Year
    1863

Dimensions
    60' x 12'

Location
      
East entrance to the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol

U.S. Capitol Building

The center figure is America, who stands with an eagle at her side and the sun at her back. On the right, a woodsman, hunter, Indian chief, Indian mother and child, and Indian grave represent the early days of America. On the left the diversity of human endeavor is suggested by the soldier, the merchant, the two youths, the schoolmaster and child, and the mechanic. Completing this side of the tympanum are sheaves of wheat, symbolic of fertility, and an anchor, symbolic of hope; these elements are in contrast with the grave at the opposite end of the tympanum.

The figures were designed by American sculptor Thomas Crawford in Rome, Italy, in 1854. They were carved at the U.S. Capitol in 1855-1859 from Lee, Massachusetts, marble and erected in 1863. The entire pediment is 80 feet long, its height at the center is approximately 12 feet, and the length of the sculpture is approximately 60 feet.

In 2016, curators were able to examine this work up close. As a result, we have made some interesting discoveries and also come across a few mysteries that we're still working on.
          
    
      Image Gallery
    
    A close-up look at the wheat carved as part of the Progress of Civilization pediment on the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol.
    View of the U.S. Capitol East Front pediments from the north wing.
    The Senate wing of the United States Capitol.

      Previous Image
        Next Image

          A close-up look at the wheat carved as part of the Progress of Civilization pediment on the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol.
      View of the U.S. Capitol East Front pediments from the north wing.
      The Senate wing of the United States Capitol. Serve. Preserve. Inspire.

              Contact Us
                            Accountability
                            Hill Staff Resources
                            AOC Staff Resources
Utility
  

        
              Privacy Policy
                            Image Terms of Use
                            Inspector General
                            U.S. Botanic Garden
                            U.S. Capitol Visitor CenterFacebook
	Twitter
	Flickr
	YouTube
	Instagram
	Subscribe